This is a comprehensive post on everything you’ve always wondered about how to deep fry a turkey. We have been using it in our family for a number of years, and since I get asked questions about it frequently, I thought I would share all the information we use, how we use it, and a ton of helpful hints so you can try it too!
I had never had a turkey prepared other than roasting in the oven until a few years ago. It’s the only way my grandma or anyone else in my family had ever done it. I heard here or there about frying a turkey, but never gave it a second thought.
My spouse introduced me to the custom of deep-frying a turkey at his aunt and uncle’s house when we first started dating. The guys would wrap themselves up and wait outside the garage while the turkey cooked because they had an outdoor fryer. I’ve had that deep-fried turkey once or twice, and it was delicious! But I never really considered frying one myself!
Deep-frying a turkey is a fantastic alternative to the traditional roasting method, offering crispy skin and juicy meat in a shorter timeframe. But choosing the right oil for this task can be tricky. Worry not for this guide will navigate you through the world of deep-frying oils, helping you select the perfect one for your Thanksgiving feast.
The Importance of Smoke Point:
Imagine this: You’ve meticulously prepped your turkey, seasoned it to perfection, and eagerly await its golden-brown glory in the deep fryer. But then, disaster strikes! The oil starts smoking, filling your kitchen with acrid fumes and potentially ruining your culinary masterpiece. This, my friend, is why the smoke point matters
The smoke point refers to the temperature at which an oil begins to break down releasing smoke and unpleasant flavors. For deep-frying turkey we need an oil that can withstand high temperatures without compromising the taste or safety of our food.
Top Contenders for Deep-Frying Turkey:
Let’s dive into the contenders for the deep-frying crown, analyzing their smoke points, flavor profiles, and suitability for your turkey masterpiece:
- Peanut Oil: The reigning champion, peanut oil boasts a high smoke point (450°F), a mild taste, and a healthy dose of good fats. It’s affordable, readily available, and delivers exceptional results in the deep fryer.
- Sunflower Oil: Extracted from sunflower seeds, this versatile oil shines in various cooking methods, including deep-frying, thanks to its high smoke point (510°F). Its mild flavor won’t overpower your turkey, and its health benefits make it a great choice.
- Safflower Oil: Derived from safflower seeds, this oil is predominantly monounsaturated fats and boasts an impressive smoke point (510°F), making it ideal for high-heat cooking. Its neutral flavor won’t interfere with your turkey’s natural taste, and its health benefits are a bonus.
- Rice Bran Oil: Another champion for deep-frying turkey, rice bran oil also has a high smoke point (450°F) and a mild flavor that allows your turkey to take center stage. It’s a sustainable choice, utilizing a byproduct of rice production.
- Corn Oil: With a smoke point similar to peanut oil (440°F), corn oil is another budget-friendly option for deep-frying turkey. Its light, neutral taste lets your turkey’s flavor shine through. However, corn oil tends to retain the flavor of the food, so keep that in mind when reusing it.
- Soybean Oil: A widely consumed cooking oil, soybean oil offers a high smoke point (450°F), a neutral taste, and affordability. Its low saturated fat content makes it a healthier alternative to some oils.
- Avocado Oil: Rich in healthy fats and boasting the highest smoke point (570°F) on this list, avocado oil is a tempting choice. However, its high cost might make you think twice, especially considering the large amount of oil needed for deep-frying.
Choosing the Perfect Oil for Your Turkey:
While all these oils are suitable for deep-frying turkey, the best choice for you depends on your preferences and budget. Consider the following factors:
- Smoke Point: Choose an oil with a smoke point higher than the deep-frying temperature (325-375°F) to avoid burning and ensure safe cooking.
- Flavor: Opt for a neutral-flavored oil like peanut, sunflower, or rice bran oil to allow the natural flavor of your turkey to shine through.
- Health: If health is a priority, consider oils like avocado, sunflower, or safflower, which are rich in good fats and low in saturated fats.
- Cost: Peanut and soybean oils are more affordable options, while avocado oil is pricier.
Additional Tips:
- Refined oils: Choose refined oils over unrefined ones for a higher smoke point and a cleaner flavor.
- Reusing oil: You can reuse the oil a few times if you strain it properly and store it in a cool, dark place.
- Safety first: Always use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and avoid overheating.
Deep-frying turkey can be a delicious and rewarding experience, and choosing the right oil is crucial for success. By considering the smoke point, flavor, health, and cost factors, you can select the perfect oil to create a golden-brown, juicy turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
Do you Brine or Use a Rub on a Deep Fried Turkey?
When we were roasting turkeys in the oven, I always brined them so I continued to do so for at least three years after we started deep-frying the turkey. In the past I had used Alton Brown’s brine for a deep-fried turkey, as well as a maple bourbon brine that Jessica shared a few years ago. Fast forward to last year when I had a 6-week old and was recovering from a c-section come Thanksgiving (which meant I wasn’t even allowed to LIFT the turkey) … and I did the BARE MINIMUM. Which meant no brine. And guess what? No one could tell the difference! SO… I’m cutting myself some slack and eliminating work that doesn’t have much affect on the final product.
Although brines are essential for sealing in moisture and ensuring a juicy turkey during roasting, you still end up with an extremely moist turkey when you fry it!
I haven’t tried rubbing a deep-fried turkey yet, but this year I might give it a try for a little extra flavor. If I do it, I’ll let you know how we like it!.
How Long Does It Take to Deep Fry a Turkey?
One of the main benefits of deep-frying a turkey is its significantly shorter cooking time compared to oven roasting. The guidelines provided by the fryer you use should be followed; ours suggests three to four minutes per pound. This means that, instead of taking four hours to cook in the oven, a 20-pound turkey (the size we’ve used the past two years) will take about an hour to an hour and twenty minutes to cook through. We occasionally take the turkey out to check its temperature before putting it back in for a little while, but I always err on the side of caution and check as soon as possible to avoid overcooking it.
Thanksgiving is kind of a small affair for us because the turkey doesn’t take long to cook. After everyone arrives, we “drop the turkey!” into the fryer and then eat appetizers and chat while the turkey cooks. Another bonus of frying is that the oven is completely free for side dishes!.
What kind of oil do you use to fry a turkey?
FAQ
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